Aaron Lynch could be the surprise pick of the 49ers’ draft

Former Raiders owner Al Davis would have loved drafting University of South Florida linebacker Aaron Lynch. Taken in the fifth round and riddled with red flags, Lynch falls into the category of trying to hit a home run with every draft pick, which was Davis’ draft philosophy.

Growing up, Lynch played the role of father at a young age while being raised by a single mother and as the eldest of three children. As he said, he grew up fast, maybe too fast. He went to Notre Dame initially, and he had an outstanding freshman year, but struggled off of the field. Eventually, he returned to his native Florida to be near his family.

Aaron Lynch, Cornellius Carradine

San Francisco 49ers linebacker Aaron Lynch and defensive end Cornellius Carradine walk off the field after a preseason game against the Baltimore Ravens. (AP/Patrick Semansky)

While there, he was prescribed Adderall for his attention deficit disorder and he lost 30 pounds, which can be a side effect of the medication. When the 49ers did take him, USF’s strength and conditioning coach Hans Straub tweeted, “Clearly, integrity & character are not a priority (for the 49ers).”

Straub eventually resigned after making the comments.

Interestingly, Lynch credited 49ers strength and conditioning coach Mark Uyeyama for designing a strength program to help him pack on weight. He also singled out the 49ers’ chefs.

“(Uyeyama’s) weight system makes it all fall into place,” Lynch said. “You got amazing chefs, who make whatever you want. If you want two, three steaks, take them home with you. (I’m) eating a lot of steaks and thick salads.”

Slowed by a hamstring pull early in training camp, Lynch failed to participate in the first preseason game, however, he did get plenty of work against the Ravens during last week’s joint practices. Lynch is making the transition from college defensive end to NFL outside linebacker, something Aldon Smith has also done.

“I came here not to answer people’s questions, but I’m here to do what the coaches are telling me to do,” Lynch said. “I am going to fit the scheme I am supposed to fit. (I’m) dropping into coverage at 270 pounds, really just learning and taking everything in.”

Lynch has taken particular note of how Smith and Ahmad Brooks practice, saying they participate with a game-day intensity.

So far, Lynch is saying and doing the right things. Now, his success will require maintaining his maturity and performing on the field. If he does that, the 49ers might have found real gold in the fifth round with Lynch. Al Davis would like that.

As you can see here from these highlights, Lynch plays with speed and has a little bit of dog in him.